Turkey and the Middle East: A Fruitful Relationship?

There has been growing international consensus about the importance of Turkey's role in the Middle East, especially as a mediator in the Israel-Syria talks. This comes at a time when Turkey is forging its own role as a strong and effective actor in the region. Following considerable debate over its candidacy, Turkey's desire to accede to the EU seems to have waned, leaving observers wondering "What next?"

Turkey assumed the monthly rotating presidency of the UN Security Council this June, giving it an opportunity to further raise its profile on the world stage. Henri Barkey, senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment, and Heather Grabbe, director of the Open Society Institute Brussels, led a discussion on the opportunities available for cooperation between Turkey and Europe on issues of global importance, particularly in the Middle East. Fabrice Pothier, director of Carnegie Europe, chaired the debate, which was held at Carnegie Europe's Brussels office.